I've used a class A fet tone stack pre in my main bass for 20+ years. And even though it's got a bypass I rarely switch it off. I also have a pre like this in a stomp box and use it for that little scooped boost when I slap. There's really nothing to these circuits. Simple is best IMHO...
I use it as an always on pedal. Bass 9 o'clock and treble 10 o'clock. It sounds awesome! ;-) It just add a little more high end, but not more tone. Love it. Thanks for the video.
Greetings, love your videos!!! Thanx for all the info, greatly appreciated. Question: would the DB 925 work with an active bass? Like would one hear the difference? Thank you in advance.
Great video as always! Are use the TC Electronics Spark. The big one for my always on pedal. Also as a boost in the studio when I need it. Jonathan Hischke hip me to it. But I will say this Aguiler DB925 got me thinking I may need to replace it!
I really want to have this pedal but the thing is, qualitywise, my bass is below average, Cort B5 OPM to be precise, and even though currently I'm using it only in passive mode due to an issue, it's active so I'm not sure if I really need it. Since it also functions as booster I guess it doesn't matter whether your bass is active or passive but I'm wondering whether the quality of the bass affects the difference this pedal makes dramatically. Anyone have an idea on this?
I have a question. I love Aguilar. I have TH500 and pair of SL112 .But Why do I want it if I use also TH500 with the same EQ? Bass 40hz and Treble 4kHz?
I can’t speak for him but it’s really designed as a boost pedal and it boosts specific frequencies controlled by the bass and treble settings. It’s basically a good always on boost pedal with a broadband EQ that is pretty much perfect for a clean articulate bass tone. It’s a preamp technically as it’s boosting the signal of your instrument before it gets to the preamp section of your amp, or you can bypass your amps preamp all together and only using the power section of your amp by using the FX return for your input, and it’s sculpting/coloring the tone of your amp also. If you are looking for an amp in a box type of pedal this may not have enough control for your EQ needs and it lacks a balanced output for sending to front of house so you will need a good di box as well if you want to use it in that capacity.
pretty standard layout for a bass like this. Separate volume controls for each pickup, bass, mid, treble, kill switch, and a passive/active switch. There is still one more knob to be added, that the signature basses currently being made have, but as mine is a prototype I still don't have it yet, and that's a passive tone control.
surely if you have an active bass then another preamp as an always on effect shouldn't really be necessary the onboard preamp should do the job; I do get it for changing the voice though. In the UK these are a $200 plus pedal, that's the price of a cheap playable bass; many thanks for all the great videos
Im on a bit of a hunt for something that can add some more warmth and character at the end of my signal thats almost entirely modelling in hx stomp, do you think this could be an option for that, if not any other ideas? Great video as always Janek I can’t get enough of the pedal studio, I keep rewatching previous vids waiting for the next!
Joe, I definitely think this pedal has the ability to give you the warmth and character you're looking for. But I would try putting it at the very beginning of the chain first.
I think this tiny pedal could be a nice substitute for a Noble-Preamp (for the size and cost), but I've never had the chance to try a Noble, whats the biggest difference/pros/cons you find in this two pedals? (Aguilar/Noble)
Well that's a big leap from Noble to DB 925, and they do two quite different jobs IMO. The Noble is not only a tube preamp, but also a DI. It's about 8 X's the size, and about 7 X's the price. So we're really talking about two completely different worlds here. The DB 925 won't give you as much functionality, but it will give you a mighty back for your buck, with an incredible preamp sound, and super musical boost.
Yes, you could totally look at it that way. But that's what I like about it, it's more than "just" a preamp, or "just" a boost. Super musical on all fronts.
What are your thoughts on using a pre-amp with an active bass? I Bought an MXR Bass Compressor but I'm not getting any reduction unless I have the input cranked all the way up and even then, it's only compressing when I'm slapping or plucking my hardest.
i also have the m87! if you’re not getting enough reduction, you can also turn down the output and that also increases the gain reduction, turn up the ratio, decrease the attack and increase the release
@@jacobmontano7464 The problem isn't that I'm not getting enough reduction, it's that I'm not reaching the threshold where reduction even starts. Not matter what the ratio is, if you don't reach the threshold where the compressor kicks in you aren't getting any compression. Darn thing needs a threshold knob.
I'm using both the DB925 and the EP Booster in my board, so I'm not really sure there's a comparison there for me, as they do two quite different things in my setup. I've yet to use the EP booster as an actual boost pedal, it's functioning as a preamp only.
@@janekgwizdala actually that answers it quite nicely for me. The "booster" makes a nice preamp, and the "preamp" makes a great booster! I also use the EP in that fashion. Thanks!
Thank you for the video. To my ears there's no much improvement in terms of the sound. Just boosting lows and highs... I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just can't see anything special about this preamp. If I'm not mistaken it uses external power supply only which explains the small size of the unit.
Sorry but' demo'ing this with an expensive custom instrument... Isn't where its at.. & for the money this pre wouldn't be on my shopping list.... Plus it sounds slightly muddy' & boomy.
"The dusty end of the neck"
Janek, when you pick up a bass, the dust doesn't stand a chance.
I can see this as a tone enhancer and act as a always on pedal. Probably at the beginning of your board. Thanks as always with a great review.
I've used a class A fet tone stack pre in my main bass for 20+ years. And even though it's got a bypass I rarely switch it off. I also have a pre like this in a stomp box and use it for that little scooped boost when I slap. There's really nothing to these circuits. Simple is best IMHO...
I was just looking at this. Glad that you have a video on it.
8:39 what scale is that and or notes you are playing? So beautiful sounding
Natural Minor, then Melodic Minor
What jg0r said...
I use it as an always on pedal. Bass 9 o'clock and treble 10 o'clock. It sounds awesome! ;-) It just add a little more high end, but not more tone. Love it. Thanks for the video.
Thank for helping me get the most out of this pedal.
Ughhh I need that Pedal. Thank you Janek!
Hey Janek, can you shed some light on the applications of those sweet sounding chords at 4:52? How do they fit in this E minor groove?
Amazing review! Also I love your watch
Sounds great man!
Greetings, love your videos!!! Thanx for all the info, greatly appreciated. Question: would the DB 925 work with an active bass? Like would one hear the difference? Thank you in advance.
Have you tried the MXR Brown Acid fuzz yet?
Question: How do you value Electro Harmonix Mole Bass Boost vs. The Aguilar DB 925?
Yeap, pedal sounds good. Haven't heard from you bro, since our chats on MySpace years ago! 😁😁
Great video as always! Are use the TC Electronics Spark. The big one for my always on pedal. Also as a boost in the studio when I need it. Jonathan Hischke hip me to it. But I will say this Aguiler DB925 got me thinking I may need to replace it!
Thanks Janek! Great video!
I really want to have this pedal but the thing is, qualitywise, my bass is below average, Cort B5 OPM to be precise, and even though currently I'm using it only in passive mode due to an issue, it's active so I'm not sure if I really need it. Since it also functions as booster I guess it doesn't matter whether your bass is active or passive but I'm wondering whether the quality of the bass affects the difference this pedal makes dramatically. Anyone have an idea on this?
Great video!! Great demonstration!! 🙌
what would be the tone setting on passive bass?
What’s the perks using this pedal over an eq pedal?
Awesome pedal I really like clean preamp ❤️
I have a question. I love Aguilar. I have TH500 and pair of SL112 .But Why do I want it if I use also TH500 with the same EQ? Bass 40hz and Treble 4kHz?
I think you dont need it...I have almost the same question
very PRO review! thanks
I just realized I have the same Ergo strap as you. You have great taste.
Hi Janek, do you find it limiting that the DB925 doesn't have a master volume?
I can’t speak for him but it’s really designed as a boost pedal and it boosts specific frequencies controlled by the bass and treble settings. It’s basically a good always on boost pedal with a broadband EQ that is pretty much perfect for a clean articulate bass tone. It’s a preamp technically as it’s boosting the signal of your instrument before it gets to the preamp section of your amp, or you can bypass your amps preamp all together and only using the power section of your amp by using the FX return for your input, and it’s sculpting/coloring the tone of your amp also. If you are looking for an amp in a box type of pedal this may not have enough control for your EQ needs and it lacks a balanced output for sending to front of house so you will need a good di box as well if you want to use it in that capacity.
I know you've used both so which do you prefer between this & the Miura K3?
Are you using active mode of your bass while using preamp pedal or passive mode????
but what do all those knobs and switches on your bass do ?
pretty standard layout for a bass like this. Separate volume controls for each pickup, bass, mid, treble, kill switch, and a passive/active switch. There is still one more knob to be added, that the signature basses currently being made have, but as mine is a prototype I still don't have it yet, and that's a passive tone control.
surely if you have an active bass then another preamp as an always on effect shouldn't really be necessary the onboard preamp should do the job; I do get it for changing the voice though. In the UK these are a $200 plus pedal, that's the price of a cheap playable bass; many thanks for all the great videos
Im on a bit of a hunt for something that can add some more warmth and character at the end of my signal thats almost entirely modelling in hx stomp, do you think this could be an option for that, if not any other ideas? Great video as always Janek I can’t get enough of the pedal studio, I keep rewatching previous vids waiting for the next!
Joe, I definitely think this pedal has the ability to give you the warmth and character you're looking for. But I would try putting it at the very beginning of the chain first.
Awesome playing bro. Just want to know where can I get those tasty backing tracks?
do you work at Glockenklang?
I think this tiny pedal could be a nice substitute for a Noble-Preamp (for the size and cost), but I've never had the chance to try a Noble, whats the biggest difference/pros/cons you find in this two pedals? (Aguilar/Noble)
Well that's a big leap from Noble to DB 925, and they do two quite different jobs IMO. The Noble is not only a tube preamp, but also a DI. It's about 8 X's the size, and about 7 X's the price. So we're really talking about two completely different worlds here. The DB 925 won't give you as much functionality, but it will give you a mighty back for your buck, with an incredible preamp sound, and super musical boost.
Noble is tube and a d.i. This is just a eq boost pedal.
Doesn’t even compare.
Can i use it with 9v battery?
keep wanting to check out aguilar pedals firsthand, always sound primo
Always super high quality, and simple to use. That's what I love about them.
It's essentially an outboard Aguilar 2-band preamp?
Yes, you could totally look at it that way. But that's what I like about it, it's more than "just" a preamp, or "just" a boost. Super musical on all fronts.
@@janekgwizdala Of course - nothing Aguilar makes deserves the qualifier "just". Killer company!
U sold me on it bro
Maybe I’m loosing my hearing, but I don’t notice much difference between the settings.
No volume knob? Why?
Can you get the MXR thump on?
I will reach out to MXR and see if they'll send one out. I'm definitely curious about it, and have had a lot of requests to make a video about it.
I too would love to see & hear a demo of the MXR Thump.
@@janekgwizdala Hope they respond positively!
What are your thoughts on using a pre-amp with an active bass? I Bought an MXR Bass Compressor but I'm not getting any reduction unless I have the input cranked all the way up and even then, it's only compressing when I'm slapping or plucking my hardest.
i also have the m87! if you’re not getting enough reduction, you can also turn down the output and that also increases the gain reduction, turn up the ratio, decrease the attack and increase the release
@@jacobmontano7464 The problem isn't that I'm not getting enough reduction, it's that I'm not reaching the threshold where reduction even starts. Not matter what the ratio is, if you don't reach the threshold where the compressor kicks in you aren't getting any compression. Darn thing needs a threshold knob.
maybe I missed something, but I could not hear a difference
I'm wondering how you'd compare this to the EP Boost, since you've been using that one recently.
I'm using both the DB925 and the EP Booster in my board, so I'm not really sure there's a comparison there for me, as they do two quite different things in my setup. I've yet to use the EP booster as an actual boost pedal, it's functioning as a preamp only.
@@janekgwizdala actually that answers it quite nicely for me. The "booster" makes a nice preamp, and the "preamp" makes a great booster! I also use the EP in that fashion. Thanks!
Thank you for the video. To my ears there's no much improvement in terms of the sound. Just boosting lows and highs... I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just can't see anything special about this preamp. If I'm not mistaken it uses external power supply only which explains the small size of the unit.
any one thinks this can work for regular guitar?
Slap-Solo ☝️-> guilty pleasure, don’t judge me by that 😉😋
So where in the chain does this go, first? Last?
I have it first in my chain right now.
Thanks for doesn't make slap
New t-shirt idea..... "Slap solo; don't do those".
Is this thing on? No difference to my ears.
Not only is the pedal working, but you can hear it clearly even on an iPhone. I would suggest some good headphones if you can’t hear it yet…
Sorry but' demo'ing this with an expensive custom instrument... Isn't where its at.. & for the money this pre wouldn't be on my shopping list.... Plus it sounds slightly muddy' & boomy.
Slap solos...please don't do those. Lol